Free Verse, Poem

Faded Memories

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Esther’s Writing Prompts #83
incorporating the word “promises”.
Here’s where the prompt led me.

© iStock

Do you remember playground days
when dreams were never-ending?
Swings soared ever higher,
wind in our hair, sun on our cheeks.
We pushed each other to the clouds,
a pinky-sworn “forevermore”.
Our giggles, a promise
floating on the breeze,
as vast and endless as the sky above.

Now the swing hangs still. 
Dust settles on the worn-down seat.
No laughter cuts the quiet air,
only the rust sings a lonely tune.
That “always” we once promised,
a whisper the wind no longer keeps.
The playground sleeps,
and our forever is just a memory,
a faded promise on an empty swing.

NAR©2025

This is “This Used To Be My Playground” by Madonna

Writing Prompts

All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

43 thoughts on “Faded Memories”

  5. Playgrounds usually deteriorate over time due to a combination of heavy use, harsh weather, and material degradation, as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, humidity, and constant foot traffic all contribute to fading, cracking, rust, and general wear and tear, necessitating upkeep and eventual replacement.

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    1. This song was playing on SiriusXM the other day; I wasn’t familiar with it but it was like a gift to go with my poem. Serendipity!
      Isn’t it incredible how fleeting childhood really is? So many kids grow up too fast; once those days are gone, they’re gone forever. Thanks for a lovely comment, Lisa.

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